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Wednesday, August 26, 2009 Orono Weekly Times - 5 LIBRARY Continued from front page in the plaza behind the community centre consisted of 3,800 square feet of leased space with no opportunity to expand. The new building is 9,100 square feet with room to expand to the west. "There will be something for every age group at the new library," Hopkins said, including wireless access inside and reading benches outside. A number of the outside benches were acquired through donations by local families in memory of loved ones. Enhancements to the community room were made possible through a bequest from former Library Board Chair and longtime Rotarian, George Vice. The room has been named the George and Kathleen Vice Community Room The construction phase of the library has gone smoothly, according to Hopkins, "The project is on time and on budget." Prior to the shovel going into the ground in May 2008, the Newcastle Library project had its share of upheavals, which resulted in a year-long delay. In October 2006, Clarington council approved Memorial Park as the preferred location for the new library branch. There was some local opposition to loss of green space in the village, but it was determined by the municipality that the ball diamond was under-utilized. Now there is a The new branch of the Newcastle Library, located at 150 King Ave. E., is all set for its grand opening this Saturday, August 29th, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Newcastle Lion's Club will be holding a charity BBQ at the event. mini soccer field behind the new library. In October 2007, council approved re-tendering the project, as all bids received for the project exceeded the construction budget. The building was re-scoped, and council decided to cut costs by constructing a building which incorporated "green" designs, rather than a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building. Re-scoping and retendering the project delayed the opening from October 2008 to summer 2009. The project budget was increased from $2.64 million to $3.45 million in October 2007 as well. The budget increase included remediation work for poor soil conditions found on site. The municipality was successful in securing a $2.36 million provincial infrastructure grant for the project. Saturday's grand opening activities will include face painting, live music, a magic performance, juggling, story time, draws and refreshments. The Newcastle Lion's Club will be holding a charity BBQ, and the Newcastle and District Historical Society will have a display in one of the quite study rooms. The festivities will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ORONO WEEKLY TIMES 905-983-5301 oronotimes@rogers.com